Australia Resume Format 2026 — Download a Professional PDF for Free

Australian resume conventions are close to the UK but not identical — and they differ significantly from the US. The right length, section order, and language choices signal that you understand the Australian job market. Here is exactly what to include and how to download a professional PDF for free.

Australian Resume Conventions in 2026

Term used: Both "resume" and "CV" are acceptable in Australia. Resume is slightly more common in corporate and private sector; CV is used in academic and medical contexts.

Length: Two to three pages for experienced professionals. One page for graduates and entry-level. Unlike the US, a two-page resume for someone with 5+ years experience is completely normal and expected.

Photo: Not included. Same as UK and US — adding a photo is seen as unprofessional and can create discrimination risk.

References: Listed at the end (two to three professional references with contact details) or "References available on request." Both are acceptable; including references is more common than in the US.

TFN (Tax File Number): Never on a resume. This is sensitive tax information requested only at the payroll stage after hiring.

Language style: Australian employers respond well to plain, clear language. Avoid overly formal British phrasing or overly assertive US resume language. Natural, confident, and specific is the sweet spot.

Recommended Australian Resume Section Order

1. Contact Information — Name, phone, email, LinkedIn, suburb and state (not full address), portfolio URL if relevant
2. Professional Summary — 3-4 lines. Specific, outcome-focused. Lead with your specialty and years of experience.
3. Work Experience — Reverse chronological. Australian employers expect specific achievements, not just duty lists.
4. Education — Degree, university, graduation year. Include honours class if strong.
5. Skills — Relevant technical and professional skills.
6. Professional Development — Industry certifications, short courses, conferences.
7. References — Two to three referees with name, title, company, email, and phone.

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Sector-Specific Australian Resume Expectations

Government and public service: Australian government roles often have specific selection criteria documents separate from the resume. Your resume supports the criteria responses. Follow application instructions carefully — government positions have very specific requirements.

Mining and resources: Include physical location flexibility, FIFO (fly-in fly-out) willingness if relevant, safety certifications (White Card, industry-specific tickets), and equipment licences.

Healthcare: AHPRA registration number is the Australian equivalent of GMC/NMC — include it near the top. Mandatory compliance certificates (CPR, manual handling) are expected.

Tech and startups: Australian tech hiring has largely adopted international norms — GitHub link, project portfolio, specific tech stack.

Format Your Australian Resume and Download a PDF for Free

1. Open the free CV Formatter in your browser
2. Paste your resume text — auto-detection handles Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, References
3. Single column is the Australian standard for most applications
4. 10pt or 11pt for a clean two to three page result
5. Download PDF — no watermark, no account required

Most Australian job portals (Seek, Indeed Australia, LinkedIn) accept PDF uploads directly. The formatted PDF is compatible with all major Australian hiring platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should an Australian resume include a photo?

No. Adding a photo to an Australian resume is not standard practice and can raise discrimination concerns. Omit it for all applications.

How many pages should an Australian resume be?

Graduates and entry-level: one page. Experienced professionals (5+ years): two to three pages. Unlike the US, a two-page resume is completely normal and expected in Australia.

Should I include references on an Australian resume?

Yes — listing two to three professional references at the end is common in Australia. Include the referee's full name, job title, company, email, and phone number.